Photos

This photo was taken inside the McConkey Ferry House on the same day as the Parson photo and the Drummer boy photo.

Inns similar to this one dotted all the Delaware River ferry crossings. The ferry that was used by folks to cross the river here was a shallow scow just long enough to carry a wagon and four horses. The ends were sloped up so it could edge in close to the river shore. Ramps hinged at either end could be flipped out upon landing, to form a gangplank.

River currents could easily force the craft downstream, so the ferries used a rope system to keep the craft on course. A heavy rope was attached to tall poles on either side of the river. A rope was also attached to the upstream side of the boat which looped up to connect with the first rope through an eight-inch iron ring. The boat was then poled across the water.

One could just picture the guests having had their card game interrupted to go catch the ferry and resume their journey into the state of New Jersey.

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Photo was edited to remove a security light. Fill flash was added via Photoshop Elements.